A recently published history of the former Orange Agricultural College, now Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Orange, will be launched at the University’s Conference Room at 10am on Friday 5 March. A History of Orange Agricultural College, written by historian Mr Philip Gissing, documents the events leading up to the College’s establishment in 1973, its struggles during the early years of operation, its ongoing battle to maintain its independence, and its steady rise to become Australia’s leading provider of rural management education by the 1990s. Between 1973 and 2000 Orange Agricultural College educated and influenced thousands of students, many of whom now play leading roles in agricultural industries and agribusinesses in Australia and overseas.“The College operated during a period of great change in Australia in both the tertiary education and agricultural sectors,” said Professor Kevin Parton, the Head of Campus at CSU in Orange. “As a consequence, it was constantly battling to maintain its identity and independence, while delivering innovative programs relevant to the primary industries it served.”